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2020 Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans
Royal Tours New Orleans • December 8, 2020
Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans
Over the past 30 years, the Réveillon dinner (pronounced ‘rĕ -vē -ŏn) has returned in popularity in New Orleans, reincarnating a centuries old tradition among the city’s French founders. Even the current COVID crisis won't stop New Orleans from doing one of the things it does best: Cooking.
What began as a family tradition enjoyed in the home following Christmas Eve Mass is now an extravaganza of excellent food and spirits offered by restaurants throughout New Orleans and available to anyone.
Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In preparation for Catholic service on Christmas Eve, many would fast all day and then feast on big, hearty meals following service.
With early New Orleans being predominately Catholic, nearly the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard at home.
A typical early Réveillon feast might look like a typical breakfast with egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include chicken and oyster gumbo, game pies, soups, souffles, turtle soup, and grillades of veal. Naturally, families would frequently follow these rich dishes with wines, brandy, lavish desserts, and coffee. It was not uncommon for the dinners to last to sunrise.
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Over time, the Réveillon tradition began to fade. But, the 1990s saw the re-awakening of the “awakening” dinner. Now, the Réveillon dinner is usually a prix-fixe menu offered by numerous restaurants throughout New Orleans. And, the event takes place not just on Christmas Eve, but through most of December. The best part is, you don’t have to wait for the late night Mass to end to enjoy it.
About twenty restaurants are participating in the 2020 Reveillon celebration. That is fewer than in most years, but we still have some delicious offerings. Here is a list of some of our favorite Réveillon dinners in the French Quarter and New Orleans.
Antoine’s - 713 St Louis St
Réveillon dinner wouldn’t be complete without an offering from the original French Creole restaurant in the French Quarter. This year, Antoine’s is offering several dishes including Escargot en Croute, Alligator Bisque, Glazed Duck, and Holiday Meringue Glacée au Chocolat. $49
Arnaud’s - 813 Bienville
The Réveillon dinner at Arnaud’s is something to experience. The three-course meal features Coquille St Jacques, Herb Crusted Black Drum, Duck Confit, and Chocolate Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée for $50.
Bayona - 430 Dauphine St
Bayona is a gorgeous restaurant tucked away on Rue Dauphine. This year's Reveillon menu includes several fantastic selections including Blue Crab Orriechette, Duck Liver Pâté, Braised Berkshire Pork Della Ossa, Lamb Loin, several dessert offerings. $68
Boucherie - 8115 Jeannette St
Boucherie is one of our favorite uptown restaurants. Their three-course Reveillon menu includes Shrimp Bisque, Blackened Shrimp and Grit Cake, Coquilles St. Jacques, Grilled Wagyu Steak Frites, and Pan Seared Halibut. $50
The Bower - 1320 Magazine St
Another Uptown favorite of ours has a fantastic Reveillon menu for 2020. Select from Tuna Crudo, Roasted Parsnip Soup, Bibb Salad, Cioppino, Lamb Shoulder, Pappardelle Bolognese, and Lavender and Orange Blossom Shortbread Cookies. $54
Broussard’s – 819 Conti
Broussard’s is commemorating 100 years of fine dining in the French Quarter which makes it one of the youngest of our classic French Creole restaurants. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring Satsuma Cured Salmon, Lobster Bisque, Kumquat and Avocado Salad, Duck Breast L’satsuma, Lobster Gnocchi, and Meyer Lemon Pannacotta among other tasty offerings for a generously priced $49.
Commander's Palace - 1403 Washington Av
Just two blocks off St Charles on Washington Avenue in the heart of the Garden District sits a true New Orleans icon. Commander's Palace offers some real treats for the 2020 Reveillon four-course menu. Dishes include Gulf Oyster and Absinthe Soup, Blue Crab and Cavier Beignets, Bordeaux Braised Beef Short Rib, and Ginger Spiced "Christmas pudding." $90
Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse - 716 Iberville St
Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse is more than just a steakhouse. They prove it this year with a 2020 Reveillon menu that includes Corn and Crab Bisque, Seared Gulf Fish, Twin 4 oz Filets, and Eggnog Ice Cream. $55
Domenica - 123 Baronne St
Domenica is located just across Canal in the Roosevelt Hotel. Just the walk through the hotel lobby during Christmas time is worth the short walk out of the French Quarter. Domenica has some delicious 2020 Reveillon offerings which include Crispy Oysters, Risotto Agrumi E Bottarga, Duck Three Ways, and Pecan Tartufo. $50
Galatoire’s – 209 Bourbon St
Would it be possible to get through Réveillon without at least one meal at Galatoire’s? This year’s offerings include Shrimp Remoulade, Fried Oysters with Rockefeller Spinach, Turtle Soup Au Sherry, Fried Trout Amandine, Duck Leg Confit, Grilled Filet Mignon, and Apple Streusel Tartlets. $48 - $60.
Luke Restaurant - 333 St. Charles Av
Now, back into the Central Business District (CBD), just a few blocks over Canal on St Charles we arrive at Luke which offers a paired-down but satisfying Reveillon menu consisting of Hot Buttered Crab Claws, Grandmother's Turtle Soup, Mayhaw Glazed Ham Shank, and Bourbon Chocolate Pot de Creme. $60
Muriel’s – 801 Chartres
One of our French Quarter favorites offers a mouthwatering four-course “awakening” menu including Fried Oyster Chowder, Duck & Andouille Gumbo, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Pan Seared Flounder, and Salted Caramel and Chocolate Torte. $58
Pelican Club - 312 Exchange Pl
The Pelican Club is a lovely restaurant on equally lovely Exchange Place alley. The Pelican Club is offering an expansive four-course Reveillon menu for 2020. Options include Turtle Soup with Aged Sherry, Vegan Carrot Coconut Ginger Soup, Escargots en Croute, New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp, Little Gem Lettuces Salad, Mushroom Ravioli, Jumbo Lump Crab and Shrimp Ravigote, Trio of Duckling, Panéed Gulf Fish with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Honey Glazed and Roasted Prime Pork Chop, Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Louisiana Cioppino, White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Bourbon Pecan Pie, and Grand Marnier Creme Brulee. $49+
Tujague's - 823 Decatur St
Tujague's is another French Quarter mainstay offering a generous four-course Reveillon menu. Items include Smoked Shrimp Canapé with Choupique Caviar, Crispy Pork Belly, Roasted Beet and Satsuma Salad, Lobster Bisque, Turtle Soup Au Sherry, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Pan Roasted Veal Tenderloin, Golden Seafood Courtbouillon, and Egg Nog Crème Brulee. $54
With the current COVID crisis, we recommend that you contact the restaurant to confirm opening times and availability and that you ask about reservations considering there may be limited seating available.
If you are in New Orleans on vacation or visiting family for the holidays, a great way enjoy time with both friends and family is to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter. Our popular French Quarter History Tour is always a hit as is the French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour. And, don't forget our kid friendly Family Fun French Quarter Experience.
You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your tour. There is no better way to walk off a delicious Réveillon meal and gain insider secrets of the French Quarter and New Orleans than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a private walking tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.
Header image courtesy of Bayona.
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Over the past 30 years, the Réveillon dinner (pronounced ‘rĕ -vē -ŏn) has returned in popularity in New Orleans, reincarnating a centuries old tradition among the city’s French founders. What began as a family tradition enjoyed in the home following Christmas Eve Mass is now an extravaganza of excellent food and spirits provided by restaurants throughout New Orleans and available to anyone.
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